What are the main hazards for outdoor cats?

Outside cats are domestic cats that are free to come and go as they want to or are allowed outdoors for only parts of the day. It is believed that outdoor cats have a far happier life than indoor cats that are locked in flats or houses for all the time. However, it is important to know how to take a proper care of them as they are exposed on many more outside factors.

One of the hazards that an outdoor cat may encounter is traffic. If you live next to roads with high traffic the risk of your cat’s death or injury is bigger. Bare this in mind. Also the outdoor cats are more likely to come across other animals… dogs, other cats, foxes, rodents, snakes, or big birds (click here to read the story of a cat snatched up by a hawk). Unfortunately, among this hazards, there are also people who might want to hurt your cat. Outside cats can become poisoned by chemicals used in gardening or by eating plants.

Cats’ curiosity is also a big problem for outdoor cats. Cats love to explore new places and they might get shut in weird places or get stuck on a tree or in the pipes. They can also disappear suddenly by drive away in vehicles that they have climbed into. Remember that microchipping your pet might help you get reunited with your kitten in such cases.

Some of the biggest nightmare of all owners are also fleas and ticks that are difficult to deal with. You can learn here how to prevent them and how to treat them.